Scrub-wearing thief breaks into nurse’s locker at Royal Columbian Hospital
Posted April 22, 2020 3:47 pm.
Last Updated April 22, 2020 4:05 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NEW WESTMINSTER (NEWS 1130) — A woman disguised in scrubs broke into a nurse’s locker at Royal Columbian Hospital last week and made off with cash and credit cards, according to police.
The theft happened around 2:45 a.m. on April 14, according to Sgt. Jeff Scott with New Westminster Police.
“We’re all impacted by the pandemic. It’s disheartening when somebody would allegedly steal from health care workers,” he said.
“They’re out there everyday putting themselves at risk for our health and we want to make sure that their stuff and their property is safe while they’re working.”
“I’ve got a lot of confidence in our investigators and their ability to catch this person and bring them before the courts. My hope is that happens sooner rather than later and prevents any other thefts from occurring,” Scott said.
Police are reviewing surveillance footage from the hospital and nearby businesses, and security at the hospital has been beefed up.
“Security is vigilant, and aware of this. They’re going to continue monitoring people coming and going and making sure that people don’t have access to staff areas, access to lockers.”
Dr. Victoria Lee, Fraser health’s Chief Medical Health Officer, says enhanced security amid the pandemic involves screening at each entrance, dedicated security staff, and surveillance cameras.
“Security and safety of our staff is of critical importance to us,” Lee said, adding she was very sorry to hear of last week’s theft.
“It’s so disheartening to see staff targeted for theft while they’re working hard to support our community and ensuring that our essential health services are continuing.”
